What to Do When Your Well is Not Working

What to Do When Your Well Is Not Working

You're turning on the faucet, but nothing happens. Panic might set in, but don’t reach for the phone just yet. If your Well system has suddenly stopped delivering water, there are a few simple checks you can make before calling in a professional. At Jesse's Well Pump Repair, we’ve seen everything from tripped breakers to burned-out pumps. Here’s how to figure out what might be going on with your Well system.

Start with the Obvious: Is the Power On?

It might sound too simple, but power issues are one of the most common reasons well systems fail. Head to your electrical panel and check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse. Your well pump is usually on a dedicated circuit. If it’s tripped, reset it once and listen to see if the pump kicks on. If it trips again, leave it off and call a professional; it could be a wiring or pump motor issue.

Check the Pressure Switch and Tank

The pressure switch regulates when the pump turns on and off. If the switch is faulty or if the pressure tank is waterlogged, your system may not be activating properly. Signs of a bad switch include:

• Visible burning or corrosion on the contacts
• No clicking sound when water is used
• Tank pressure that’s unusually high or low

If you're familiar with how your pressure tank and switch work, you can try to gently clean or reset the switch. Otherwise, it's best left to a technician.

Low Water Table or Drought Conditions

In South Carolina, extended dry periods can cause the water table to drop below the depth of older wells. If your pump is sucking air or delivering very low pressure, this could be the issue. You might notice sputtering faucets or air in the lines. A deep well pump may need to be lowered or replaced depending on the situation.

Listen for the Pump

Well pumps make a noticeable humming or mechanical noise when running. If your pump is silent, it may not be receiving power, or the motor could have failed. If it's running constantly and you're still not getting water, the system may have a broken pipe or a leak between the pump and the pressure tank.

Check for Clogged or Frozen Pipes

In colder months, frozen pipes can block water flow completely. In warmer seasons, sediment buildup or mineral scaling can clog lines. If your home suddenly loses water pressure or flow, inspect visible pipes and valves. A licensed well professional can use a camera scope or pressure testing to find hidden obstructions.

Inspect Any Filters or Softeners

Some well systems include inline filters, iron removal units, or softeners. If any of these clog or malfunction, they can stop water from flowing. Try bypassing or removing filters one by one to isolate the problem. Keep in mind that whole-house systems can sometimes fail quietly, so checking them regularly is a smart move.

Call a Professional if These Steps Don’t Work

If you've checked the basics and your well still isn't working, it's time to bring in help. Well systems involve electricity, pressurized tanks, and sometimes complex plumbing. Jesse’s Well Pump Repair can diagnose and fix everything from pump replacements to electrical panel issues. Don’t risk damage to your system or your home. Get expert help fast.

Prevent Future Well Problems with Routine Maintenance

Once your well is back up and running, don’t forget about ongoing care. Routine maintenance, including pressure checks, tank inspections, and pump performance reviews, can prevent emergencies. Jesse’s offers seasonal well checkups to catch small problems before they lead to bigger failures.

Last Thoughts:  Be Calm, Check Smart, Call When Needed

When your well stops working, take a breath and start with the basics: power, pressure, and filters. In many cases, the issue is minor and easy to resolve. But if you’re unsure or the problem persists, don't wait. Jesse’s Well Pump Repair is ready to get your water flowing again with fast, reliable service across South Carolina. Need Help With Your Well System? Don't wait until you're completely out of water. Contact Jesse’s Well Pump Repair today for fast, honest, and local service. Whether it’s a quick fix or a full pump replacement, we’ll get the job done right the first time. Call now or schedule your service online and get your water flowing again.

What to Do When Your Well Is Not Working

You're turning on the faucet, but nothing happens. Panic might set in—but don’t reach for the phone just yet. If your Well system has suddenly stopped delivering water, there are a few simple checks you can make before calling in a professional. At Jesse's Well Pump Repair, we’ve seen everything from tripped breakers to burned-out pumps. Here’s how to figure out what might be going on with your Well system.

Start with the Obvious: Is the Power On?

It might sound too simple, but power issues are one of the most common reasons well systems fail. Head to your electrical panel and check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse. Your well pump is usually on a dedicated circuit. If it’s tripped, reset it once and listen to see if the pump kicks on. If it trips again, leave it off and call a professional—it could be a wiring or pump motor issue.

Check the Pressure Switch and Tank

The pressure switch regulates when the pump turns on and off. If the switch is faulty or if the pressure tank is waterlogged, your system may not be activating properly. Signs of a bad switch include:

• Visible burning or corrosion on the contacts
• No clicking sound when water is used
• Tank pressure that’s unusually high or low

If you're familiar with how your pressure tank and switch work, you can try to gently clean or reset the switch. Otherwise, it's best left to a technician.

Low Water Table or Drought Conditions

In South Carolina, extended dry periods can cause the water table to drop below the depth of older wells. If your pump is sucking air or delivering very low pressure, this could be the issue. You might notice sputtering faucets or air in the lines. A deep well pump may need to be lowered or replaced depending on the situation.

Listen for the Pump

Well pumps produce a noticeable humming or mechanical noise when in operation. If your pump is silent, it may not be receiving power, or the motor could have failed. If it's running constantly and you're still not getting water, the system may have a broken pipe or a leak between the pump and the pressure tank.

Check for Clogged or Frozen Pipes

In colder months, frozen pipes can block water flow completely. In warmer seasons, sediment buildup or mineral scaling can clog lines. If your home suddenly loses water pressure or flow, inspect visible pipes and valves. A licensed well professional can use a camera scope or pressure testing to find hidden obstructions.

Inspect Any Filters or Softeners

Some well systems include inline filters, iron removal units, or softeners. If any of these clog or malfunction, they can stop water from flowing. Try bypassing or removing filters one by one to isolate the problem. Keep in mind that whole-house systems can sometimes fail quietly, so checking them regularly is a smart move.

Call a Professional if These Steps Don’t Work

If you've checked the basics and your well still isn't working, it's time to bring in help. Well systems involve electricity, pressurized tanks, and sometimes complex plumbing. Jesse’s Well Pump Repair can diagnose and fix everything from pump replacements to electrical panel issues. Don’t risk damage to your system or your home—get expert help fast.

Prevent Future Well Problems with Routine Maintenance

Once your well is back up and running, don’t forget about ongoing care. Routine maintenance, including pressure checks, tank inspections, and pump performance reviews, can prevent emergencies. Jesse’s offers seasonal well checkups to catch small problems before they lead to bigger failures.

Lastly:  Be Calm, Check Smart, Call When Needed

When your well stops working, take a breath and start with the basics—power, pressure, and filters. In many cases, the issue is minor and easy to resolve. But if you’re unsure or the problem persists, don't wait. Jesse’s Well Pump Repair is ready to get your water flowing again with fast, reliable service across South Carolina.

Need Help With Your Well System? Don't wait until you're completely out of water. Contact Jesse’s Well Pump Repair today for fast, honest, and local service. Whether it’s a quick fix or a full pump replacement, we’ll get the job done right the first time. Call now or schedule your service online and get your water flowing again.